In a unique tribute to the city's lifeline, Chennai has launched a dynamic new museum dedicated to its beloved public bus service. This isn't a static exhibit but a museum on wheels, a fully renovated bus that will travel across the city to celebrate the rich history of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).
The mobile museum was officially flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday. This initiative is a key part of the MTC's broader Bus First campaign, which aims to prioritize road space for buses, similar to how emergency vehicles like ambulances are given priority.
A Journey Through Time on Wheels
The museum itself is a red bus that has been meticulously remodelled by MTC staff since August 2, with artistic design led by Saravana Raja. Its schedule is designed for maximum public engagement: it will visit city schools and colleges in the mornings and be stationed at popular public spots in the evenings starting from Sunday.
Inside the air-conditioned bus, visitors are taken on a chronological journey through MTC's evolution. Thirteen TV screens each explain a different chapter of the corporation's story, with visuals presented first in Tamil and then in English. The exhibits feature miniature models of the original red buses from the 1970s, the iconic double-decker buses from the 2000s, and today's modern low-floor electric buses.
Lights, Camera, Action: Buses in Tamil Cinema
One of the most nostalgic sections delves into MTC's deep connection with Tamil cinema. The museum highlights the era when the corporation was known as the Pallavan Transport Corporation (PTC) from 1972. A particularly iconic display features a shot of superstar Rajinikanth, who was a bus conductor in real life before his film career, walking towards the camera with a Pallavan-logo bus in the background from the song 'Nee Nadanthaal, Nadai Azhagu' in the blockbuster film 'Baasha'.
MTC social media manager Prabhakar, who oversaw the museum's creation, also pointed out other famous film sequences. "Remember 'Urvasi Urvasi' in 'Kaadhalan' (1994)? Or 'Valaiyosai' in 'Sathyaa' (1998)?," he remarked with a smile, highlighting how these buses have been an indispensable prop in countless movies.
Embracing the Future of Transport
The museum is not just about the past. It actively showcases MTC's growth and modernization. One screen details how the fleet has expanded dramatically, from 1,029 buses in 2001 to 3,048 buses today. It also provides practical, short tutorials on the corporation's new digital payment systems, educating the public on how to use the NCMC Singara Chennai card and the Chennai One app.
For daily commuters, there's a special focus on iconic Chennai bus routes selected for their high ridership and legacy. These include routes like the 18A (Kilambakkam KCBT–Broadway), 515 (Tambaram–Mamallapuram), and 29C (Perambur–Besant Nagar).
Former Indian cricketer M D Thirush Kamini, the ambassador for the Bus First campaign, expressed her strong personal support. She stated that the initiative aligns with her principles as an athlete, where punctuality is paramount. "When a group of 60 people in a bus can reach their school or workplace, it directly aids their livelihood and enables them to go about their day with a calm mind, and I stand for that," she told TOI.
This innovative museum on wheels successfully bridges generations, offering a piece of familiar history for older residents while engaging the youth with the future of urban mobility in Chennai.
